Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress-Chapter 890: After the modification - 887: Reward

Prime Minister Lu smiled and nodded: "Your Majesty’s words put this old minister at ease!"

"There is one more thing... It concerns the Liang Kingdom. Since the Emperor has conquered the Liang Kingdom, its lands now belong to our Jin Kingdom. However, the governance system of the Liang Kingdom is different from ours. The princes have their own fiefs and act independently. If we want to implement the Emperor’s new policies, any slight misstep could trigger a rebellion." Prime Minister Lu turned his head and looked at his eldest son, Lu Jinxian, "Therefore... with all due respect, this old minister recommends my eldest son to Your Majesty. You can send him to Daliang to oversee the implementation of these new laws!"

Lu Jinxian quickly stood up straight and saluted Bai Qingyan: "If Your Majesty entrusts this matter to me, I will do my utmost to accomplish it satisfactorily!"

"Minister Lu Jinxian is in his prime and will be a pillar of the Zhou Dynasty in the future. I originally intended for the implementation of the new laws within Jin to be led by Prime Minister Lu, with Minister Lu Jinxian assisting. Alongside this, Prime Minister Lu can also train Dong Changyuan and Li Mingrui. The newly acquired Liang territory can then be managed by Chen Zhaolu and Lu Yuanqing, which will be an excellent opportunity to groom these potential talents for our Zhou Dynasty..." Bai Qingyan gently rubbed the armrest of his recliner.

Chen Zhaolu and Lu Yuanqing—Bai Qingyan had not neglected to understand their capabilities while in Dadu City. Both are extremely intelligent individuals, especially Lu Yuanqing, who, despite his stern appearance, has considerable tact. Chen Zhaolu, on the other hand, appears to be a refined gentleman, but has a sharp edge beneath his surface. Both are passionate young talents who would implement the new policies more forcefully and decisively than someone like Lu Jinxian, who has navigated the bureaucratic waters for many years.

Prime Minister Lu did not expect Bai Qingyan to value Lu Yuanqing so highly and hurriedly said: "Yuanqing is still young. Implementing new policies in the Liang territory should prioritize stability and placation."

"Prime Minister Lu, your statement is incorrect. Implementing new policies... benefits the people!" Lu Jin suddenly addressed Prime Minister Lu, "The Jin Dynasty and the conquered Liang Kingdom still have influential noble families. However, the Emperor seeks the support of the common people! The nobles and imperial relatives have long oppressed the people. Implementing the new policies with decisive measures and suppressing the nobles will elevate the Emperor’s stature among the populace."

Lu Jin then looked at Bai Qingyan: "Just like in the Yan Kingdom, during the recapture of Nanyan, the banner of Empress Ji’s new policies was raised. As a result, the Yan Kingdom was hardly contested; the people welcomed the troops wherever they went! And in the Wei Kingdom... after its conquest, the Ninth Prince of Yan used decisive measures to deal with the Wei nobles, which was overwhelmingly applauded by the people!"

"But it also earned the Ninth Prince of Yan a reputation for cruelty." Lu Jinxian, who was holding a teacup, interjected.

"Although the Ninth Prince of Yan has a reputation for brutality, the people of Wei greatly supported the new policies. This means that those dispatched by the Emperor to implement the new policies must be prepared to bear a tarnished reputation." Lu Jin put down his teacup and cupped his hands in a salute towards Prime Minister Lu, "Minister Lu, if I have offended you, please forgive me."

"Ah... discussing state matters should not involve taking offense! Master Lu has a broader vision than this old minister, focusing on the welfare of the people and offering valuable counsel to the Emperor. This is beneficial!" Prime Minister Lu appreciated Lu Jin’s insight and looked at Bai Qingyan, "Your Majesty, Minister Lu speaks rightly. The new policies are for the people. This old minister was short-sighted, only considering the influence of the noble families without accounting for the common people. If so... I believe the implementation of new policies in Jin’s old territories can also be entrusted to the young. It is indeed time for the younger generation to step up. This will give them a chance to shine. If they encounter any major issues, this old minister will certainly support them."

Prime Minister Lu had served in the Jin Dynasty for decades, and it was inevitable that his thoughts were somewhat old-fashioned and conservative. Yet, one of his strengths was his ability to listen to others’ opinions and not stubbornly refuse to admit mistakes.

"In that case, send Chen Zhaolu and Lu Yuanqing to Hancheng to oversee the implementation of the new policies! As for the territory from south of Hongque Mountain to north of Tonggu Mountain within Jin’s old lands..." Bai Qingyan lightly knocked on the table a couple of times, "We will follow Prime Minister Lu’s suggestion and let Li Mingrui and Dong Changyuan oversee it, how about that?"

"Chang Yuan is certainly capable!" Dong Qingping frowned, "But appointing Li Mingrui... isn’t it too risky? Furthermore, as Minister Lu Jin mentioned, those who implement new policies might earn a bad reputation. Li Mingrui... is known for being quite shrewd and opportunistic, following in his father’s footsteps. I’m worried he might prioritize self-gain over national duties, potentially ruining things."

"Li Mingrui is indeed skilled and intelligent but has not applied his talents in the right way. His father, Li Mao, is already a traitor. Li Mingrui is striving to protect his family’s lives, and he harbors ambitions to elevate his family alongside him. Implementing the new policies and ensuring their successful implementation is his only chance. Li Mingrui will definitely seize it."

"Your Majesty’s insight in evaluating and employing people is unmatched!" Prime Minister Lu sincerely bowed to Bai Qingyan.

Dong Qingping looked towards Prime Minister Lu, secretly thinking that the prime minister still could not refrain from flattering the Emperor.

"There’s also the matter I have not had the chance to discuss with Your Majesty, given the recent management of state affairs. With your successful ascension... the contributions of the generals who supported Your Majesty cannot be overlooked. Moreover, the commanders from various regions who followed you after hearing of your defiance of the Jin Dynasty should be rewarded. As for the recently pacified Liang Kingdom, with its third prince having surrendered, does Your Majesty intend to grant him a fief to live out his days peacefully, or bring him to the capital under your watchful eye?"

Bai Qingyan turned and signaled for Bai Jinse to bring the already prepared bamboo slip. Bai Jinse understood and went to fetch the bamboo slip as instructed. frёeweɓηovel_coɱ

"Prime Minister Lu!" Bai Jinse respectfully handed the bamboo slip to Prime Minister Lu.

Prime Minister Lu thanked her and received the bamboo slip, which outlined Bai Qingyan’s rewards for the meritorious ministers.

"The four ministers can review it first. If there is anything inappropriate, we can discuss it further."

Prime Minister Lu nodded, and together with Dong Qingping, Lu Jin, and Lu Jinxian, examined the appointments written by Bai Qingyan on the bamboo slip.

Bai Qingyan’s voice resonated as he continued, "As for the appointments to the vacant positions... Minister Lu Jinxian, as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, should be more familiar with this than I am. So, I intend to leave this matter in Minister Lu Jinxian’s capable hands, as filling the vacancies will require Minister Lu’s efforts."

Prime Minister Lu and Lu Jinxian did not expect Bai Qingyan to entrust Lu Jinxian with the Ministry of Personnel, significantly elevating the Lu family’s status. They hurriedly knelt to express their gratitude.

"As for the third prince of Liang, he shall remain in his homeland and be granted the title of Prince of Hancheng, without land entitlement, unable to raise an army, and not allowed to control taxes. His private property need not be confiscated..."

This was to allow the third prince of Liang to live as a wealthy man in Hancheng with only a nominal title.

Bai Qingyan refilled the tea for Lu Jinxian and Lu Jin and then looked at Dong Qingping, "What brings my uncle here together with Minister Lu Jin?"

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